Historically, the world of high fashion has operated within a strict beauty ideal that doesn't allow much room for body diversity. Models typically wear sample sizes when walking in fashion shows, which are essentially previews of the clothes to be mass produced in the months to come. While the garments will come in a range of sizes when they hit stores, sample sizes typically only come in a size zero or a size two, meaning models wearing the clothes must fit those restrictions.

Yes, some women do naturally fall into this range of sizes—but everyone's natural body size varies. In fact, the average American woman is a size 16, according to a recent study in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education, which looked at data collected by the CDC from 5,552 female respondents between 2007 and 2010.

Since the modeling world often has such rigorous body standards, it's no surprise that many models have felt intense pressure to look a certain way. And this can lead to dangerous practices, including overexercising and undereating. A recent survey of 85 female models at New York Fashion Week found that 64.1 percent had been asked to lose weight by their agency, 31.2 percent have had an eating disorder, and 48.7 percent have engaged in unhealthy weight control behaviors. This data sample is small—meaning it's impossible to say if this information applies to all models in the industry—but it does paint a picture of the issue at hand.

Many models are the driving force behind these body-positive strides in the industry, and some have taken to Instagram to share how they moved past the stressful pressure to be a certain size and learned to embrace themselves as they are. Their stories are sometimes difficult to read, but thankfully, today these models find themselves in a healthier and happier place, pursuing their dreams on their own terms.

Below, stories from seven models who learned to stop fighting their bodies and embrace their natural size.

Trigger warning: The stories from these models often describe disordered eating habits. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, visit The National Eating Disorder Association website for valuable resources to find help and support, or call the toll-free information and referral helpline at 800-931-2237.